Archive for Sedona Events

ILLUMINATE is the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema. Dedicated to spreading enlightened ideas and pushing humanity forward, ILLUMINATE is a landmark destination event and centerpiece for conscious content. Founded on the premise that the language of film is universal and a dynamic force in carrying messages to the masses, the Festival showcases the best of conscious media to uplift, inspire and transform.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is returning to Sedona. For the third year, the Sedona International Film Festival is bringing the spirit of outdoor adventure and mountain culture to red rock country. This year’s screenings feature the world’s best mountain sport, culture and environmental films, letting you experience the thrill and challenges of the mountain environments that inspire us all.

The Sedona tour stop has been expanded to two nights, by popular demand: Tuesday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Each night will feature a different program of films. Audience members can attend either one of the nights or get a package discount to attend both evenings.

The Banff Centre’s Banff Mountain Film Festival is the one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Hot on the heels of the festival held every fall in Banff, Alberta, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road with stops planned in about 450 communities and 40 countries across the globe.

Get your ticket to the hottest show in town … the GREATEST celebration of the BEST in independent film from around the world: February 18-26, 2017. From features to shorts, documentaries to animation and foreign films to student films, you will be treated to a cinephile’s dream … NINE DAYS and more than 160 films!

Already recognized by filmmakers and audiences as one of the top festivals in the nation (and named the “Fest to Impress” by MovieMaker Magazine), the 2017 edition will continue a tradition of honoring those motivated by passion for their art and driven by a love for making timely, moving and important films.

Join filmmakers, celebrities, industry guests and film buffs from all around the world as Sedona takes center stage with its biggest celebration of film yet!

Mexico’s most favorite and time-honored observance, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is almost here and continues to capture the hearts and imagination of people everywhere.

In Sedona, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village has hosted the spectacular celebration and pageantry for the last five years. This year Day of the Dead is on Saturday, October 29th, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. “Every year we get a little more bold and outrageous,” says Wendy Lippman, general manager and resident partner of Tlaquepaque. The gorgeous Mexican-inspired village is dramatically transformed with thousands of candles, papier mache katrinas, fountains decorated to the nines, and a beautiful altar ready to receive the traditional offerings or offrenda, honoring those that have passed.

Saturday the 29th is a jam-packed day of entertainment and more. Get ready to be blown away by the Circus Farm Fire Dancers in dramatic performances accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Anthony Mazzella and the Old Souls. Aerial artists wrapped in silks, ghoulish stilt walkers, scary face painting stations, jugglers and the wandering dead in traditional costumes make for an over-the-top celebration. Stroll through the Day-of-the-Dead-themed Mercado. Enjoy free sugar skull making and peruse the decorated altars in the courtyards. Admission is free and costumes are encouraged. Free trolley service is available from the Uptown Sedona municipal parking lot. If you have not visited the newly completed Tlaquepaque North this is a perfect excuse to check it out as well.

Every year leading up to the Day of the Dead is the Marigold Mural Project. Everyone is encouraged to remember loved ones in words or painted symbols on the 26 by 6 foot mural. “It is so touching to see young kids and older folks writing the names of their family members, friends or pets that are no longer here. It is a moving tribute and a way to remember those precious to us,” remarks Lippman. Staring Tuesday, October 25th and going through Day of the Dead on October 29th, the mural will be available from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, concluding the evening of the 29th in Calle Independencia in the main village. The artist Lovejoy (http://lovejoycreations.com) returns to begin the mural in stunning depictions of a Day of the Dead theme and she is there daily to help you choose your paint and brushes and make helpful suggestions. Murals from years past will be in the main Calles of Tlaquepaque North and South.

Home to 50 shops, galleries and five restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the Art & Soul of Sedona, now in its 44th year, is located at 336 State Route 179 in Sedona, Arizona. It is open daily at 10:00 am. For more information call (928) 282-4838 or visit: Tlaq.com.

In conjunction with 140 International Cities of Peace around the world, the Sedona International City of Peace invites you to participate in the global International Day of Peace, September 21st, and celebratory peace week events through September 25th. Recent resolutions by the Sedona City Council recognized Sedona as an International City of Peace and voted to make September 21st a Day of Peace in perpetuity.

This year numerous groups and organizations are celebrating peace throughout the Sedona community and beyond. Almost all the events are open to the public. Everyone is warmly invited to engage in making our world a more peaceful place especially during these troubling times. Here is the line-up.

SEPTEMBER 19

Peace: The Personal Aspects – Lori Rubenstein, JD, PCC. Ten-minute Peace Talk and Meditation led by Lori Rubenstein, forgiveness teacher and board member of the Sedona International City of Peace. Online at www.facebook.com/lorirubenstein 9:00 am live, free.

SEPTEMBER 20

Fall Equinox Crystal Bowl Meditation and Peace Pole Re-dedication. The planet needs your energy now. Please come and participate! Everyone will have a chance to play the bowls and send out the intention of compassion, acceptance, peace and harmony. Meditation will be followed by potluck. Call 928 284-4177 to RSVP to Luna VanAtta, Village of Oak Creek 10 am to noon.

SEPTEMBER 21 – PEACE DAY

Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park – A brief talk on how to use the Stupa for Peace, followed by a led Tonglen (sending and receiving) Meditation by Ani Miranda, and concluding with a fire puja. 9:00 am at the Peace Park, 2650 Pueblo Drive in West Sedona.

“Everyday Peace” sponsored by Goldenstein Gallery and L’Auberge de Sedona in honor of the International Day of Peace. Intention Setting Ceremony and Dedication of a “Wheel of Compassion” sculpture by Sedona artist, Sherab Khandro. “Imagine” by John Lennon will be performed by Suzi Schomaker. Linda Goldenstein will explain the Wheel and a meditation will be led by Sherab “Shey” Khandro. Guests will have the opportunity to write their intentions down and place them in a bowl next to the wheel and spin the wheel. Inspired by the Tibetan Prayer Wheel it is a contemporary sculpture by a Western artist formally trained in the sacred arts. The names of guests and staff will be housed in a special chamber at the base of the wheel itself to receive the billions of prayers released for peace, love and compassion as the wheel is turned. 11:00 – 11:30 am at L’Auberge, carpooling recommended.

Golf for Peace. This event will be held at Oak Creek Country Club beginning at 9:00 am. There will be 100 Sedona City of Peace flags with blanks for the golfer’s names, and $200 in Pro-shop gifts for the winners! Call Oak Creek Country Club / Heather to enter at 928-284-1660.

Peace by Piece: Students in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek will make 6-inch peace squares depicting “what peace means to them” or “how they contribute to peace.” All the squares will be connected to make a large quilt and displayed at SPAC on September 21 (for students only). The Sedona Chamber Ballet will present a 5-minute mixed media piece to original music composed by Claudia Tulip, Deborah Williams and Rachel Kimber. Achmed Valk choreographed the work, Peace Beats, which will be danced by three local Sedona children: Mari Chang, Jessica LeBlanc and Miguel Jose Maldonado against the backdrop of Andrea Smith’s paintings.

There will also be a showing the film “Peace by Piece” and a peace song performed by singer/songwriter Adalia Tara. Nearly 800 children will all identify their squares by putting a sticker on it. Plans include a skype call with Roger and Debbie Clemmons who have also been conducting a Peace by Piece event in Houston. Glenn Scarpelli is the MC. Private event with Andrea Smith. (Closed event for school children only)

Presentation of First Sedona International Day of Peace AwardThe Sedona International City of Peace Team is proud to announce its first Sedona International Day of Peace Award. This is the first Sedona International Day of Peace since the unanimous passing of a City resolution proclaiming “the City of Sedona, Arizona, to be an International City of Peace in perpetuity and September 21st (International Peace Day) as Peace Day in Sedona.” This year’s award will be presented to Patrick Schweiss at Pat’s Fabulous 50th Fiesta. http://www.sedonafilmfestival.org/Page.asp?NavID=288

Mountain View PrepTwo lunchtime and one afternoon Drumming for Peace Circles led by Lansing Day, Margaret Joy Weaver and the Interact Club for over 100 students as part of the youth-inspired Cottonwood International City of Peace activities. (Closed event for students and teachers).

SEPTEMBER 22

Film Showing: “Peace Pilgrim: An American Sage”The Peace Pilgrim was a mysterious lady who gave up her home, possessions and security to wander through the United States and Canada for nearly 30 years and 30,000 miles in the name of Peace. Equipped with only a toothbrush, comb and the clothes on her back for her personal mission for Peace, she relied on the kindness of strangers–walking until given shelter and fasting until given food. Those lucky enough to have known her were changed forever by her simple but cheerful presence and the profound message she shared. “This is the way of peace: overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” This is a story about a powerful little woman who literally “walked her talk”…a special soul, still remembered and honored today for her dedication to Peace. At Unity of Sedona on Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm for a special screening of this incredible woman’s journey. Sanctuary at Unity of Sedona, 65 Deer Trail Drive, Sedona. $5 suggested Love Offering, (proceeds to be donated to Friends of Peace Pilgrim).

SEPTEMBER 23

Shabbat Service dedicated to Peace for the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. All are invited and welcome to attend. As we lead up to the high holidays, we are given the rich opportunity to reflect on the past year, and clean out the emotional and spiritual “crumbs” of our mistakes, misunderstandings, and missteps that may have caused friction or hurt in our relationships. Join us for this special Shabbat Service. 7:30 pm, 100 Meadow Lark Drive, SedonaPeace Within and Peace Between: Two days of peacemaking in the Muse House, using powerful tools, imaginations, memories and pens! Private Event with Sunday Larson

SEPTEMBER 24

Reaching a Peaceful Death through Medical Aid in Dying. A presentation on the ultimate peace…a peaceful death. As we all strive for a more peaceful world, a more peaceful country and a more peaceful life, we believe peace should also include the possibility of a more peaceful death―a death free from lingering pain, intrusive devices and surgery, and a body relying solely on the assistance of others. Thus, the Northern Arizona Chapter of Compassion & Choices will be presenting a program titled “Reaching a Peaceful Death through Medical Aid in Dying.” Already legal in several countries and 5 U.S. states, support for Medical Aid in Dying (formerly referred to as Death with Dignity) is alive and well in Sedona and the Verde Valley, as well as in the rest of Arizona. Please join us to share your story, learn more, support our efforts, and get involved in this important issue. This event is free and open to the public. IT’S YOUR LIFE, YOUR DEATH, YOUR CHOICE. www.compassionandchoices.org www.choicesarizona.org. 10:30 am in the Community Room at Canyon Mesa, 500 Jacks Canyon Rd., in the Village of Oak Creek.

The Sedona International City of Peace team would also like to encourage additional suggestions for things that you can do individually or with a group of friends during this week. Our goal for the Sedona community goal is to bring greater awareness about our collective need for a culture of peace.

Lopon Damchoe is a Canadian Buddhist nun who received the degree of Lopon in 2012 from the Ngagyur Nyingma Nunnery Institue at Namdroling Monastery in India. She is the first-ever Western graduate of this rigorous nine-year program of philosophy and practice. Since completing her studies in 2012, Lopon Damchoe has been teaching Dharma, interpreting for the Lamas of the Palyul lineage, as well as translating Tibetan texts into English. She divides her time between teaching in India, Nepal, and the West.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10TH • 7-9 PM

Power of the Dakini: Exploring the Mystical Feminine & the Path to Enlightenment

Dakinis embody the female quality of empty luminous wakefulness and can appear in many different ways in order to arrest conceptual thinking and delusion, aiding us on the Path to Enlightenment. Female practitioners have played a very strong part within Tibetan Buddhism, displaying great endurance and devotion as they pursued realization. Padmansambhava’s closest student Yeshe Tsogyal is well renowned for her heroic endeavors on the Path. He once said to her: “The ground of liberation is this human frame. And here distinctions, male or female, have no consequence. And yet, if Bodhicitta graces it, a woman’s form indeed will be supreme.”

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 11 & 12 • 10 AM – NOON

The The Lives & Inconceivable Activity of Padmasambhava, the Second Buddha

Considered the Great Protector for those tormented by suffering, particularly during this time of degeneration, Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century c.e. It is said he appears to every being of the three thousand billion world systems in a form to benefit them according to their personal karmic vision. In this way Guru Rinpoche is the condensed essence of the miraculous activities of the Buddhas of all directions and has countless unimaginable biographies, one biography for each being.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION $20 per session or $50 for all three sessions. Register at the door with cash or check only.